Depending on the cause, your condition may be diagnosed and/or monitored using other tests such as calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, vitamin D, or bone markers (a group of tests used to measure bone formation and bone resorption).
Because the flu vaccine is produced by private manufacturers, its availability depends on when production is completed. For the 2015-2016 flu season, manufacturers have indicated shipments are likely to begin in July or August and continue throughout September and October until all vaccine is distributed. Doctors and nurses are encouraged to begin vaccinating people as soon as flu vaccine is available in their areas.
The flu shot is an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that's given with a needle, usually in the arm. This season's vaccine protects against the three influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the season. This includes an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and an influenza B virus. The vaccine takes effect approximately two weeks after it has been administered as antibodies (substances in the blood that protect against infection) accumulate and provide protection against influenza.